Gripping Tale of Morality and Murder

Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Mummy Murders
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Colin Bressler
Writer(s): Colin Bressler, Will Donahue
Cast: Jeff Caperton, Will Donahue, Aimee Michelle, Jason Scarbrough, Leila Annastasia Scott, Destiny Soria
Where To Watch: releasing January 2, 2024 by Gravitas Ventures

RAVING REVIEW: THE MUMMY MURDERS leaps into thriller territory, redefining the serial killer narrative with a fresh, unnerving twist. Under Colin Bressler's direction and the riveting performance of Leila Annastasia Scott as Alexis Kelly, the film immerses viewers in a daunting world of murder and intrigue. Steering clear of most genre cliches, it presents a raw, gripping, and emotionally complex story. This is a slow burn; although it's listed as horror, it's more horror-adjacent. There are also noticeable budget constraints that worked against the larger narrative. As you will often hear me say, you don’t always need to “see the scary” to make a good scary movie.

The movie starts in a seemingly serene setting, but the tranquility is quickly upended, catapulting the audience into a sinister world where normalcy masks terror. This juxtaposition is one of the film's most compelling features, showcasing Bressler's skill in combining suspense and shock elements seamlessly within the film.

As the story proceeds, Alexis guides the viewer through the chaos. Scott's portrayal transcends that of a mere reporter – she embodies the film's moral compass and emotional core. Her character's evolution from journalist to best-selling author is fraught with ethical challenges, adding a thought-provoking dimension to the thriller.

The antagonist, known as the "Mummy Murderer" and portrayed by Jason Scarbrough, adds a chilling depth to the film. Scarbrough's performance is a delicate balance of humanizing and demonizing the character, drawing viewers into a whirlpool of horror and fascination without eliciting empathy for his heinous actions.

Yet, THE MUMMY MURDERS isn't without its shortcomings. Despite the film's narrative strengths and compelling performances, the atmosphere of the film, both auditory and visual, seems inconsistent; I don’t know if the film was shot over a long period or if there was something else at play. I would assume this flaw, likely due to budget constraints, is a small dent in an otherwise meticulously crafted film. As I mentioned previously, the “horror” elements also left a bit to be desired; it felt at times like they were more of an afterthought than part of the film's main storyline.

THE MUMMY MURDERS distinguishes itself within the serial killer thriller genre with its unique storytelling approach and deep character development. Far from being just a shock-fest, the film engages and challenges the audience, propelled by a talented cast and a storyline that keeps the tension brewing. While I’m not a massive fan of slow-burn stories, I think this justified itself with the deeper explorations.

THE MUMMY MURDERS may not reach the thriller genre's pinnacle, but it is a significant and commendable addition. It weaves a dark and complex narrative, resulting in a viewing experience that is intellectually and emotionally compelling. For those seeking a thriller that ventures beyond the beaten path, THE MUMMY MURDERS is an essential watch.

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[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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